This is the book that I am currently reading. Any opinions stated in quotes go to full credit of this book "Prayers The Outwit the Enemy" by Dr. Chuck Pierce and Rebecca Wagner Sytsema.

 So this morning I was dreaming and had to wake myself up in the dream. How many of you have to do that on occasion? Now for me, it's very rare that I remember SO much in a dream because when I awake, by the time I go to the restroom and grab something to eat it's either gone so far out of my mind, or on the flip side I actually remember it so I have to type it up before I forget. I type incredibly faster than I write. This morning was a "flip side" morning. I can't shar the details but it had a great deal to do with what I read in the chapters to follow from when I posted 2 weeks ago. I know it was a lot longer than my normal week, but I was really busy last week. Sometimes we get busy and forget about things that need to be done.

Ok, on with it. The next two chapters talked about understanding the enemy. We need to know our enemy before we can accurately FIGHT and BATTLE with the enemy. Some people think (other denominations in particular) that if you even mention the word "evil" or "satan" or "devil" that it's wrong and you're summoning some spirits to come join you. GET REAL! This is real! This is what we have to learn about if we plan to effectively FIGHT and battle with the enemy.

These chapters start of by identifying the enemy. An anology that is pretty understandable is to take the movie "School of Rock". In this Jack Black references "The Man" and how the man has such influence or authority in your life that your freedom becomes hindered and controlled. Think about it, who else does that? Who else sometimes gets the best of us and our thoughts and takes our freedome from us so that it is under his control? The enemy. Plain and simple. Other times in the bible where there are examples of "The Man" are Pharoah, the Amalekites, Jezebel & Ahab (they joined together to become "The Man") and satan himself is "The Man".

I just learned today that one of friends shipped off to Basic Training with the Air Force in San Antonio. In about a month, my brother will be doing the same thing. God positions us in times and seasons where we are to meet certain people, learn certain things to equip us for the battle, and be in certain places. Jason and I will be the first to tell you we don't like it here. We're out of our comfort zone and we miss our family entirely TOO much! BUT GOD!! But God put us here for a reason and a season. Now as far as we know that season will last for only 2 years--but God could change our time and assignment whenever he likes. Right before we left we were told as long as we're willing to go, it doesn't matter WHERE you go it's that you go.

Think about this. How many of us are like "Lord, use me. I want to be your hands and feet and I'll go where you send me." But the moment some door opens you doubt yourself and then you think what was I thinking...trust me we got to that place a many times before we relocated here. We know that eventually the Lord will fulfill our heart's desires, but for now, we're here on assignment to know the enemy and take him OUT!

Know this-the enemy puts things in your path. You choose whether or not to take what he puts, trip and fall, or take a flying leap over it and continue on what GOD has in store for you. It's VERY important that you know it's your choice. God isn't making you follow him, the enemy will make you follow him to get the victory. By-the-way this is probably going to be a little longer than last time because I did cover two chapters so grab a snack...I'll still be here!

Let's get to know the enemy. (Fear is a product of the enemy. You have authority in Jesus Christ to bind and cast out that fear and go on for what God will have you learn)

1. Know the enemy by Sight. The Lord will open your eyes in time to see the plan the enemy has against you and you will then be able to fight him for what is right.

2. Know the enemy by Name. Some names are: Dragon or old serpent, deceiver, adversary, usurper, accuser, tempter, legalist, Supremely Evil Beelzebub (Lord of the Flies--all those that are familuar with this take note, I was not allowed by my mother to partake in this reading with my 10th grade lit class and I'm glad she sought after Godly wisdom on what I was to be taught and what I was not to have break my concentration on God), prince of the power of the air, prince of this world. All these are refrenced in the bible.

3. Know the enemy by Action. Satan has a discernible presence, he will bind us to doctrines, his is continuously opposed to the Gospel, he searches for people who can be "taken captive by him", he is a "roaring Lion, seeking whom he may devour", he looks for opprotune times, he changes law (in particular at the time this book was written they are referring to same sex marriage).

4. Know the enemy's Limitations.

16:26 but now is manifested, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the eternal God, is made known unto all the nations unto obedience of faith:

Romans 16:26

 

3:8 he that doeth sin is of the devil; for the devil sinneth from the beginning. To this end was the Son of God manifested, that he might destroy the works of the devil.

1 John 3:8

 

2:15 having despoiled the principalities and the powers, he made a show of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

Colossians 2:15

 

1:13 who delivered us out of the power of darkness, and translated us into the kingdom of the Son of his love;

Colossians 1:13

That's KNOWING your enemy. Next let's look at some things to make sure you personally are prepared for war. The saying "Casulties of War" is very much true in spiritual battle as well. We know a couple of people who have lost friends, family, and intercessors. Not necessarily BECAUSE they war. Some things to think about:

1. Am I prepared for the warfare ahead?

2. In what area do I need the most training? (Is it your finances, vision, family, etc?)

3. What war am I in? (It is important to know that we are not called to fight EVERY battle)

4. Is there an area in my like the the enemy is outwitting?

And finally, Passion. It's not just a word used in a sexual sense (although some people think that's where is dirived). Actually this comes from the Greek work pathos which means path. (every time I hear it comes from the Greek I think of My Big Fat Greek Wedding--yes I do have a sense of humor). It's an interesting dirivition. Think about it. The Lord has us on a Path. But we chose our path this leading in a Passion to serve the Lord whole heartedly. There are 2 types of passion:

1. Driving or compelling force, dominating emotion, strong desire, or potent enthusiasm.

2.Entering into suffering and endurance of our Lord against temptation; experiencing His death in our flesh; receving and experiencing His reurrection life.

This connects so well to the Path. If we lose our Passion, we lose the Path God has in our lives set out. We need to experience life the way that Jesus did his. Live, die, and resurrect into a new season. While traveling on a path there are still seasons. God leads us through those seasons just as we live and breath here on Earth. Leaving Texas was the end of a season for us and moving to New York was the start of a new one. There has been an end to a year, which just happened to be then end of a season of mourning for myself. Just as the people mourned when Jesus died, he resurrected into a new life. We resurrected into a new season. New friends, we're about to get into a new living situation, we've paid off some of our debt. NEW SEASON. It's really awesome the way God is moving.

 I encourage you to get this book. Prayer is so significant in our lives. It shouldn't be about the usual grace said at dinner or wanting something from God. It's a war too. That's what Intercession is ALL about!